The Oxford Handbook of Social Policy in Canada

Social policy is a central aspect of Canadian economic, social, and political life. The Oxford Handbook of Social Policy in Canada provides a comprehensive map of the major components of social policy while identifying the central issues in a manner accessible to researchers, students, and informed citizens who are curious about the past, present, and future of social programs in Canada.

The Handbook explores the history of these social programs and then delves into a range of key social policy issues and programs. In addition to the classic concerns of social policy analysis (e.g., social assistance, social insurance, and Medicare), the volume examines additional pressing concerns such as childcare and long-term care, housing and homelessness, mental health, reproductive health, and food security. Throughout, the Handbook brings to the fore issues such as racism, colonialism, gender, and sexuality, which have thus far remained marginal in mainstream analysis of Canadian social policy.

This Handbook draws together a diverse group of contributors from different disciplines such as history, law, political science, sociology, social work, and public policy, thus providing a multidisciplinary overview of the field. Overall, The Oxford Handbook of Social Policy in Canada provides a multifaceted and innovative agenda for social policy research and practice.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0197766854
• ISBN13: 9780197766859
• Release Date: December 2026
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 736 Pages